UNESCO Registered Heritages of the Region

Arba-Minch Crocodile Ranch

Arba-Minch Crocodile Ranch is located in Gamogofa zone some 500km and 270 km south west of Addis Ababa and Hawassa, respectively, in Gamo-Gofa Zone. Arba-Minch Crocodile Ranch is one of the biggest &the only ranch in Ethiopia It is situated at the south west shore of Lake Abaya and adjacent to “Nechi-Sar” National Park. The ranch was established in 1984 and it lies on an area of 3 hectare of land with the objectives

To produce and export crocodile skins and meat to world market, and

To contribute for the conservation of the globally threatened crocodile population

Arba Mich Crocodile Ranch

Socio-economic importance of the ranch:

The establishment of the ranch attracts many foreign and domestic tourists in the area and it is one of the attractions being reason for the development of Arba-Minch Town. Apart from raising crocodiles for the commercial purpose, the ranch releases a certain number of grow ups to lake Chamo and Abaya in order not to deplete the wild population. Currently there are almost 700 crocodiles preserved in separate place according to their age.

Although wild crocodiles sometimes attack human beings, the crocodiles in the Ranch never attack the workers during ponds washing. The ranch collects crocodile babies from the shore of Chamo Lake. These babies grow up in the Ranch. The crocodiles in the Ranch become used to human beings from their birth.

Tourists can see harmony between crocodiles and human beings here.

· Crocodile ponds washing time is around 9:00AM almost every day. ( Crocodile ponds washing may not be conducted depending on circumstances.)

Basic information:

· Opening hour; 8:30AM-5:30PM everyday

· Entrance fee

Foreigner

10USD

Ethiopian

Individual

20ETB

Club(Know your country’s club)

10ETB

Student

5ETB

School club

3ETB

*Foreigner can pay entrance fee in local currency Ethiopian Birr (ETB) as well. Foreigner’s entrance fee in ETB is decided according to the rate from USD to ETB on visiting day.

· Access; There is no public transportation from Arba Minch city center. Hiring bajaj (tricar in local name) or car from the city center is advisable.